19 students were arrested on Friday, Aug 22 for drinking underage at several bars near the University of Tampa and University of South Florida campuses before the first week of classes.
According to WFLA, the Tampa Police Department swept through local bar towns such as Ybor and SoHo, where they found several college-aged individuals using fake IDs and drinking underage.
Within the state of Florida, possession of a fake ID can lead to a third-degree felony charge, up to five years in prison, up to five years probation and a potential $5,000 fine, as stated by the Florida Statutes and Constitution.
This recent focus on catching fake ID users is part of a larger project by the Tampa Police Department called “Operation Buzzkill.” Jesus Echevarria, manager of Copper Shaker bar, stated that they have collected more than 200 fake IDs and plan on collecting many more.
This could mean a crackdown in local Miami bar and club areas that University of Miami students, especially freshmen, frequent.
“I was super excited to go out because I had seen all the promotions on Instagram, but who wants tons of police officers around when you’re trying to have a good time?” said a freshman who wished to remain anonymous.
Welcome Week and other events attract freshmen students to local bars, clubs and other hangouts. With these events often comes a surge of fake ID use and underage drinking. According to an Indiana University study, 70% of students admitted to owning a fake ID, while 80% consume alcohol.
Sandbar Sports Grill, a local bar where many UM students convene, stated that they have collected “over 3,000 fake IDs over the years,” but typically leave the charging of offenses to the police they hire.
This mindset starkly contrasts with that of theTampa college towns. Rather than have on-site hired police officers, Tampa PD wanted to tackle the issue firsthand, as highlighted by the number of arrests made in the past week.
The arrests have circulated social media platforms such as Facebook and YikYak, causing students and even parents to worry about what this might mean for them. Others expressed their anger towards the police department, claiming they are being “excessive” and “doing too much”.
“If they can serve in war they can have a drink” claimed one Facebook user. Another person commented “You can buy a gun at 18 — why not alcohol?”
Despite online backlash, the Tampa PD is standing firm in their decision to tackle both of these issues within and around the campus.
“Facing felony charges for possessing a fake ID is a steep price to pay for that hard seltzer. Make the smart choice,” Tampa PD said in a statement.